Donald was born in Rutherford County, NC on August 7, 1939 a son of the late James Virgil Hawkins and Eula Gordon Hawkins. He was retired from Fiber Industries in Shelby. Donald was a member of Bess Chapel United Methodist Church; he loved to listen to bluegrass music and play his guitar and also enjoyed tractor pulling and hunting. He was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in Lincolnton and was in the US Army.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Kathleen Martin Hawkins; a son Tim Hawkins of Cherryville; a daughter and son-in-law, Donna Tallent and Kevin; four grandchildren, Hank, Caleb, Matthew and Amelia Tallent; a brother, Bobby Hawkins and wife Deanne of Cliffside and a sister, Mary Jo Dobbins and husband Wayne of Ellenboro.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00PM at Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at Bess Chapel United Methodist Church on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 2:00PM with the Rev. Roy T. Byers officiating.